Recommends candidates in Nov. 6 election

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012 1:15 a.m. CST

Here are my thoughts on local electoral races after my interaction with the candidates:

State’s attorney (Whiteside) – Trish Joyce possesses a drive and determination I don’t see in Pat Liston. Zest for life and passion for justice are essential qualities for a state’s attorney. Joyce would be a strong, effective leader.

State’s attorney (Lee) – Henry Dixon has a poor record on felony prosecutions, among other shortcomings. Anna Sacco-Miller has fresh ideas and a real zeal for results and reform. She’d be an asset to the judicial system.

17th Congressional – Bobby Schilling is a man of character who’s taken common sense and business experience to Washington. I don’t agree with all his votes, but respect he doesn’t cave to pressure when he believes strongly in something. Cheri Bustos was handpicked by the Chicago machine that has run Illinois into the ground. We can’t afford to extend that reach to the national level.

36th state Senate – Bill Albracht has served our country bravely in war, the Secret Service, and private-sector business. He has courage to stand up to the establishment and the willingness to tackle tough issues. Mike Jacobs is a hothead who decked a fellow senator for mentioning his conflict of interest in pushing a ComEd rate increase because his father is a ComEd lobbyist.

Whiteside County Board – Very few board members did their due diligence before approving the Green River Wind Farm. I’d support only Kurt Glazier, Jim Duffy, Sue Britt, Gene Jacoby and Shane Celestino.